Skywatchers in Mumbai and Pune are in for a special treat tonight. The International Space Station (ISS) will be visible to the naked eye as it passes across the night sky. This rare sighting offers a chance to witness one of humanity’s greatest engineering achievements orbiting Earth at over 28,000 km/h. No telescopes or special equipment are needed—just a clear sky and the right timing.
When and Where to Look?
The ISS will appear in the sky at 7:23 PM. By 7:28 PM, it will shine as the third brightest object, after the Moon and Venus. The best view will be toward the northwest, about 10 degrees above the horizon.
"For nearly two-and-a-half minutes, the ISS will be clearly visible," said Arvind Paranjpye, director of Mumbai’s Nehru Planetarium. Using binoculars may enhance the view, but a clear sky is necessary. City pollution could affect visibility.
A Rare Opportunity for Skywatchers
This is a special moment for space enthusiasts in Mumbai and Pune. The ISS, a hub for microgravity research, orbits Earth with astronauts onboard. Among them is Sunita Williams.
Observers can even try capturing a selfie with the station in the background. Soon, the ISS will return to Earth aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule. Don’t miss this rare sight in the night sky.